Vol. Brendan Burns 9th February 1958 29th February 1988

Brendan was born on the 9th February 1958, the first born of Lillie and Peter Burns. He often looked after his younger brother Joe and his four sisters, Yvonne, Ann, Mary and Attracta. He went to Cregganduff Primary School, then St Joseph's High School, Crossmaglen and finally Newry Technical College. Brendan liked to be in the middle of the craic and enjoyed nothing better than a bit of slagging. He joined Óglaigh na hÉireann at 16 years of age and from the outset he was impatient to become fully operational on active service.

He radiated a confidence, and his determination and commitment during many of the well-planned attacks throughout the South Armagh area, inspired his comrades and instilled fear in the British forces based in the area. By 1984, Brendan, who was on the run from the North was arrested by Gardai Special Branch on foot of extradition orders.

He spent over two years in Portlaoise Prison, and eventually beat the extradition case. On leaving the court he was followed by the Special Branch but, true to form, he slipped through their fingers by jumping on to a motorbike and driving away. From then on, Brendan was on the run, but he refused to allow any danger to stop him seeing his family. Many times he had narrow escapes as the British Army came looking for him.

His coolness typified the kind of man he was and this among other outstanding personal qualities, led him to be held in the highest esteem among the people of South Armagh, who opened their doors and hearts to him without hesitation. This was shown again by the massive number of people who attended Brendan's funeral despite the intimidation of the over- bearing British Army presence.